Italian Meatball And Cheese Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

2.5 cups frozen Italian meatballs (thawed)

I package fresh cheese tortellini 350 grams or 12 ounces

I can herb and spices diced tomatoes 28 ounces

1 can four cheese pasta sauce 680 ml

4 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 small onion chopped basically one cup

2 tablespoons olive oil

Some Parmesan cheese

Some dried basil and parsley herbs

Instructions:

I let the olive oil get hot then added and sautéed the chopped onion for 2 mins then added the minced garlic for one more minute.

Then added the pasta sauce, diced can tomatoes, the beef broth the thawed meatballs and then the Italian seasoning.

I brought it to boil then simmered for 20 minutes.

Then I added the tortellini cooked for 8-10 mins.

Again brought it to a boil then simmered. We like ours softer.

Added some Parmesan cheese and garnished with some dry basil and parsley herbs.

Then voila!!!!

Nutrition Information:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can substitute homemade meatballs for the frozen ones.

Ensure they are cooked before adding to the soup.

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as it might differ from fresh tortellini.

How can I lower the sodium content of the soup?

Opt for low-sodium beef broth and pasta sauce, and consider making your own meatballs with less salt to reduce sodium content.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Cook the tortellini separately and add it when reheating to maintain its texture.

Are there alternatives for the four cheese pasta sauce?

Certainly! You can use marinara sauce or any tomato-based pasta sauce of your choice.

Experiment with different flavors to suit your preference.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground beef, pork, or a combination of meats based on your preference.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Certainly! Omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Add extra vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives if desired.

Is there a substitute for fresh tortellini?

If fresh tortellini is not available, you can use dried tortellini or any pasta of your choice.

Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s best not to freeze the soup with tortellini, as pasta can become mushy upon thawing.

Consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding it fresh when reheating.